Smash-And-Grab Invasions at Whittier Pot Shops Involved ... Police?

Medical marijuana is legal in California. But what happens when a pot shop isn't following the local rules? Is it a matter for a threatening letter, or should the cops move in and treat the retailer like a street-corner dope peddler.

Some pot shop owners in Whittier are claiming that the latter was the case last week when Whittier police moved in on a pair of out-of-compliance shops.

Officers smashed glass, took pot from patients and moved in with guns drawn, according to witnesses who complained to the Whittier Daily News.

According to Whittier police, the dispensaries at 14430 Whittier Boulevard #A and 8645 Greenleaf Avenue were hit on Wednesday with the help of other law agencies.

They had all of their guns pulled, screaming, 'Get down.' The patients didn't even know what was going on.

Cops who claim they got at least about $50,000 worth of drugs total out of both places say the shops were operating against state law -- as for-profit drug ventures instead of as nonprofit caregivers for the seriously ill.